On Friday 27 August, the Government and UN agencies together with youth organizations and private sector, will recognize and raise awareness of how young people in Lesotho are making crucial contributions to the development of the country. This day also marks the beginning of the
International Year of Youth, which aims to promote the ideals of peace, respect for human rights and solidarity across generations, cultures, religions, and civilizations.
Media is invited to attend the event.
When:
Where:
Time:
Friday, 27 August 2010
Ster Kinekor Cinema @ Pioneer Mall, Maseru
09:00 – 16:00
Who:
Programme
09.00
Youth, Government, UN agencies, Private sector
09.45
Opening with representatives from Government, United Nations, youth organizations and partners
Dance performance by youth organization Tsete Lithua Majoe
10.00
12.00
12.30
13.30
13.45
15.00
16.00
‘Film festival’ with discussions, part 1
Theatre play on HIV prevention “It’s about time / Ke Nako” by NGOC
Lunch break
Dance performance by youth organization Club 25
‘Film festival’ with discussions, part 2
Kick4Life life skills games
Closing remarks
The event is a collaboration between the Government, United Nations and the following youth organizations: Blue Cross, Club 25, Crossroads, Junior Chamber International, Kick4Life, Lesotho Girl
Guides Association (LGGA), Lesotho Planned Parenthood Association (LPPA), Millennium Development
Goals Generation (MDGG), NGO Coalition on the rights of a Child (NGOC,) Sesotho Media.
For more information on the International Year of Youth, visit http://social.un.org/youthyear/ .
For interviews and other requests, please contact:
‘Mamosa Moteetee
National Information Officer
E-mail: mamosa.ramakatane@undp.org
Tel: 22 313790 Mobile: 5886 8932
The event is supported by:
Helena Ekinge
Communications Officer
E-mail: helena.ekinge@one.un.org
Tel: 22 313790 Mobile: 5885 1198

BACKGROUND
August 2010 marks the beginning of the International Year of Youth (IYY) which runs from 12 August
2010 to 11 August 2011.
The Year presents an opportunity to highlight the contributions that youth are making to society, as well as to advance their full and effective participation in the issues that affect them. Under the theme
Dialogue and Mutual Understanding, the Year aims to promote the ideals of peace, respect for human rights and solidarity across generations, cultures, religions, and civilizations.
Key objectives of IYY are: 1) to create awareness about young people’s contribution to development and advocate for investment in youth by the public and private sectors; 2) to mobilize and engage youth in decision-making processes and partnerships by supporting youth-led organizations and initiatives in order to enhance their contribution to society and; 3) to connect and build bridges by promoting youth interactions, networks and partnerships across cultures.
During the national on launch on 27 August, various activities will help recognize and raise awareness of how young people in Lesotho are making crucial contributions to the development of the country as well as their role towards the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals. Activities will commence with formal speeches by, among others, the Minister of Gender, Youth, Sports and
Recreation as well as the UN Resident Coordinator.
Next will be a film festival whereby short movies will be screened followed by discussions of issues portrayed or implied by the movies – giving youth an opportunity to engage in dialogue over important development issues and reflect on youth participation in Lesotho.
There will also be some performances by youth groups including theatre play, dances and life-skills games. Alongside the movies and performances, youth organizations will get an opportunity to showcase their work in a simple market place.
In December 2009, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 64/134 proclaiming the
Year, signifying the importance the international community places on integrating youth-related issues into global, regional, and international development agendas.
Youth organizations, governments, and civil society are encouraged to organize activities throughout the year that promote an increased understanding of the importance and benefits of youth participation in all aspects of society, as well as those that support youth to devote their energy, enthusiasm and creativity to development and the promotion of mutual understanding.